Returning for its third year, the Amaranth costume ball is one of those unique events on the Australian cosplay event calendar. Tied in to Manifest but its own separate event, how did the event go in this third iteration?

Where: San Remo Ballroom
When: 20th August, 2009
Amaranth Anime Ball '09 Photos

 The first year the venue was well liked but the food was generally disliked. The second year the food was liked but the venue, even though in a nice location, was too small with no proper dance floor. For this third event, they have seemed to have got the combination right! The venue itself was beautiful with a very regal feel and plenty of room. A central dance floor that could hold everyone was surrounded by the tables and a stage at the front for the bands and MCs. The food as well was a huge improvement and everyone I talked to really liked what was on offer.

The evening started with people being welcome and escorted to their tables with the music of a string quartet playing. From there people could welcome their friends and get a drink or nibble from one of the waiters/waitresses. The even started to crank up a little then with dance music before the first course was served. Between each course the contests and the dancing happened which might have been an annoyance if the venue wasn’t as well laid out as it was but it worked very well letting people dance more and the staff to clean up.

Events that were held included raffles, the crowning of King and Queen of the ball and the spotlight contest. Much fun was had by all with lots of dancing, laughter and catching up. With the huge success of the event, everyone is looking forward to future Amaranths and hopes that they will be as fun as this years.